Fix Apple App Site Association Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues with Apple App Site Association (AASA)

Universal Links are crucial for seamless iOS app deep linking, but they can be tricky to set up correctly. This comprehensive guide covers the most common issues developers face with Apple App Site Association and provides detailed solutions for each problem.

1. Incorrect File Format and Structure

The apple-app-site-association file must strictly follow Apple's specifications:

• Must be served without any file extension
• Requires valid JSON format with proper syntax
• Must include all mandatory fields (appIDs, paths)
• Case-sensitive field names

2. SSL Certificate Configuration

Apple mandates HTTPS for Universal Links to work. Common SSL-related issues include:

• Expired SSL certificates
• Self-signed certificates (not accepted)
• Incomplete certificate chains
• Mixed content warnings

3. File Location and Accessibility

The AASA file must be accessible at one of these locations:

• Primary: https://[domain]/.well-known/apple-app-site-association
• Alternative: https://[domain]/apple-app-site-association

Ensure your web server configuration allows access to the .well-known directory.

4. Server Configuration Issues

Proper server configuration is crucial:

• Content-Type header must be 'application/json'
• File should be served without compression
• CORS headers should be properly configured
• Server must handle requests without redirects

Quick Solution: Universal Link Creator

Skip the technical complexities by using our Universal Link Creator tool, which:

• Automatically generates valid AASA files
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• Ensures correct server configuration
• Includes built-in validation and testing